Chapter 1:

  A Seed of Ambition

  The morning sun cast golden hues over the rolling fields of wheat as Kaito wiped the sweat from his brow. His hands, calloused from years of tilling the land, gripped the worn wooden handle of his hoe. Another day, another harvest. It was an honest life, but as he gazed toward the distant silhouette of Totsu City, a familiar ache stirred in his chest—an ache for something more.

  For twenty years, Kaito had known nothing but the farm. He had been raised in the village of Shirogane, nestled on the outskirts of Totsu City, where farmers and craftsmen lived simple, unremarkable lives. Yet, the world beyond was anything but simple. Travelers passing through spoke of grand battles, mystical beasts, and legendary adventurers who wielded magic gifted by the gods themselves. Kaito had always listened intently, but he never thought someone like him—a mere farmer—could become an adventurer.

  That was, until today.

  “Kaito!” A voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see his younger sister, Hana, running toward him, her auburn hair swaying with each step. “You need to come to the village square! There’s a Guild recruiter here!”

  Kaito’s heart skipped a beat. The Adventurer’s Guild rarely visited small villages like Shirogane. He dropped his hoe and hurried after Hana, his mind racing.

  By the time they reached the square, a small crowd had gathered around a figure clad in silver armor, a massive sword strapped to his back. The recruiter stood tall, his presence commanding attention. His scarred face told stories of battles fought, his piercing gaze scanning the villagers before he spoke.

  “I am Ryouma of the Totsu Adventurer’s Guild,” his voice boomed. “By decree of the Guild, I seek those willing and capable to take up the mantle of an adventurer. The road is perilous, but the rewards are great. If you believe you have the strength, the courage, or the wit to walk this path—step forward.”

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  Silence. The villagers exchanged nervous glances. Kaito felt his heartbeat quicken. This was it—his chance. His moment. His hands clenched into fists, and before doubt could creep in, his feet moved on their own.

  “I’ll do it,” Kaito declared, stepping forward.

  Murmurs spread through the crowd. The village elder, an old man with a beard as white as snow, frowned. “Kaito, lad, you are a farmer. The fields need you. This path is not for the faint of heart.”

  “I know,” Kaito said, standing firm. “But I damn refuse to let my life be decided by the soil beneath my feet. I want to see the world beyond these fields. I want to become something greater.”

  Ryouma studied him for a moment before nodding. “I like your resolve, you little shit. So prove it.”

  He tossed a wooden training sword at Kaito’s feet.

  “If you can land a single strike on me, I will take you to Totsu City as a recruit.”

  The crowd gasped. Kaito’s throat tightened, but he steeled himself. He picked up the training sword, feeling its unfamiliar weight in his hands. He had never held a weapon before—only a hoe and sickle. But deep within him, something ignited. A fire.

  Ryouma stood motionless, waiting. Kaito gripped the sword and lunged forward with all his might.

  A gust of wind. A blur of movement.

  In the blink of an eye, Kaito found himself face-first in the dirt. The sword had been knocked from his hands before he even realized what happened. He groaned, lifting his head as the crowd burst into laughter.

  “Pathetic,” Ryouma muttered, turning away. “Go back to your fields, boy.”

  Kaito gritted his teeth, pushing himself up. “Shut the fuck up.”

  Ryouma was not offended, but impressed at the spirit of the boy.

  He grabbed the training sword again, his grip tightening. He charged once more, only to be knocked down just as easily. Again. And again. His body ached, bruises forming, but he refused to stop.

  Finally, after his tenth attempt, Ryouma sighed, rubbing his temples. “Enough.”

  Kaito spat out dirt and stood, panting. He could barely feel his arms.

  But then—Ryouma smiled.

  “You’re reckless. You lack skill. But you have resolve.” He nodded. “Fine. You’ll come with me to Totsu.”

  Kaito’s eyes widened. The villagers gasped.

  “You’re accepting him?” the elder asked, bewildered.

  Ryouma smirked. “Skill can be taught. Strength can be built. But a spirit like his? Fuck, that’s rare.”

  Kaito felt his knees nearly give out. He had done it. His journey had begun.

  Hana ran up, her eyes filled with worry and pride. “You’re really going, aren’t you?”

  Kaito grinned despite his aching body. “Yeah. I am.”

  As he stood beneath the vast sky, looking toward the horizon, he knew—this was only the beginning.